Human Resources Generalist- Leaves & Benefits

Position Overview:

The Human Resources Generalist- Leaves & Benefits is responsible for administering employee leaves programs and benefits, and serving as the back-up for the employee accommodation process. This role will ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations while providing exceptional customer service.

The Human Resources Generalist- Leaves & Benefits is a full-time (1.0 FTE) position that supports approximately 800 employees.

Compensation:

The expected starting salary for this position is $68,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

Leave Administration:

• Interpret and administer leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local employment laws (Workers Compensation, FMLA, ESST, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with leave of absence and employment laws including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state and local leave laws and advises employees on college policy, guidelines, and documentation requirements.
• Process requests for a leave of absence while exercising discretion and judgment throughout each stage of the leave process.
• Build strong relationships with employees and managers to foster a positive work environment.
• Maintain close contact with employees and keep managers informed about leave statuses and the expected return to work dates, extensions and accommodations.
• Facilitate the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s)
• Assist with the implementation and administration of Minnesota’s Paid Leave.
• Back-up the Benefits Manager as a secondary subject matter expert for the leave programs in alignment and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership.

Benefits Administration:

• Serve as a member of the benefits team that administers employee benefits programs, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations as requested.
• Assist employees with benefit questions, claims, and issues.
• Support annual open enrollment and benefits communication campaigns.

Data Management:

• Preserves confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Collaborate with the Benefits team to maintain accurate and up-to-date employee leave and benefits records.
• Prepare reports and analysis as needed to support HR initiatives.
• Utilize Workday for HR tasks and issue resolution, monitor and test Workday releases and updates, partner with Workday support teams to implement new features as they become available.
• Ensure data protection compliance and maintain data integrity on the in all HR systems, including Help articles and guides, and on the HR website by using tools like Siteimprove.
• Adhere to Carleton’s accessibility guidelines for website content.

Additional Information:

• This position may require periodic evening and weekend hours, especially during peak periods (e.g., open enrollment).
• Travel may be required for training or conferences.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field and 3+ years of directly related experience; or 7 plus years of work experience directly related to the primary functions of this position. Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, ESST, and ERISA.
• Familiarity with Minnesota Paid Leave Law and Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with HRIS systems (Workday) preferred.

Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.